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Module1_Unit5

The document outlines the syllabus for PHY104: General Physics IV, focusing on waves, simple harmonic motion, and optics, with a specific emphasis on Huygens' Principle. It details the learning objectives, contents, applications, and significance of Huygens' Principle in wave theory and its implications in optics, acoustics, and other physics areas. Additionally, it includes exercises for practical understanding of wave phenomena.

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alkalimahmud37
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26 views

Module1_Unit5

The document outlines the syllabus for PHY104: General Physics IV, focusing on waves, simple harmonic motion, and optics, with a specific emphasis on Huygens' Principle. It details the learning objectives, contents, applications, and significance of Huygens' Principle in wave theory and its implications in optics, acoustics, and other physics areas. Additionally, it includes exercises for practical understanding of wave phenomena.

Uploaded by

alkalimahmud37
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PHY104: GENERAL PHYSICS IV

(VIBRATION OPTICS AND WAVES)


PHY104: GENERAL PHYSICS IV (VIBRATION OPTICS AND WAVES)
CONTENT
MODULE 1: Waves
Unit 1: Waves
Unit 2: Properties of waves
Unit 3: Waves Equation
Unit 4: Propagation of sound matter: in gases, solids and liquids and their properties.
Unit 5: Huygens’s principle

MODULE 2: Simple harmonic motion (SHM)


Unit 1: Energy in a vibrating system
Unit 2: Damped SHM, Q values and power response curves
Unit 3: Forced SHM
Unit 4: Resonance and transients
Unit 5: Coupled SHM.
Unit 6: Normal modes.

MODULE 3: Optics
Unit 1: Nature and propagation of light
Unit 2: Thin lenses and optical instruments
UNIT 5: HUYGENS’S PRINCIPLE
Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Learning Objectives
3.0 Learning Content
3.1 Huygen’s Principle
3.2 Applications of Huygens' Principle
4.0 Summary
5.0 Conclusion
6.0 Assignment
7.0 References/Further Reading
1. Introduction
Huygens' Principle is a fundamental concept in wave theory that describes how waves
propagate. Named after the Dutch physicist Christian Huygens, it provides a method to predict the
future position of a wave-front based on its current position. This principle has significant
applications in optics, acoustics, and other areas of physics.

2. Learning Objectives
By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:
1. Understand the statement and implications of Huygens' Principle.

2. Explain how Huygens' Principle applies to the propagation of wave-fronts.

3. Apply Huygens' Principle to analyze and predict wave behavior in various scenarios.

4. Recognize the significance of Huygens' Principle in the development of wave theory and its
applications in modern physics.

3.0 Learning Contents

3.1 HUYGEN’S PRINCIPLE


Huygens’ Principle states that every point on a wave-front acts as a source of secondary spherical
wavelets. The position of the wave-front at a later time can be found by constructing the envelope of
these secondary wavelets.

Explanation
1. Wave-fronts and Wavelets:
A wave-front is a surface over which an oscillation or wave has a constant phase. According to
Huygens, every point on this wave-front serves as a point source of secondary spherical wavelets.
2. Propagation of Wave-fronts:
The future position of the wave-front is determined by the envelope of these secondary wavelets. The
envelope is a surface tangent to all the secondary wavelets at a given later time.
Mathematical Formulation

Consider a wave-front at time t represented by a surface S.

Each point on S emits a spherical wavelet of radius vΔt, where v is the wave speed and Δt is a
infinitesimal time increment.

 The new wave-front at time t + Δt is the surface tangent to all these spherical wavelets.

3.2 Applications of Huygens' Principle

1. Reflection: - When a wave-front encounters a reflective surface, the secondary wavelets from
points on the wave-front propagate in such a way that the angle of incidence equals the angle of
reflection.

2. Refraction: - When a wave-front passes from one medium to another, the secondary wavelets
adjust their speed according to the new medium, leading to the bending of the wave-front
according to Snell's law.

3. Diffraction: - Huygens' Principle explains how waves bend around obstacles and spread out after
passing through small openings.

4.0 Summary

 Huygens' Principle laid the foundation for the wave theory of light, challenging the particle
theory proposed by Newton.

 It is crucial for understanding the behavior of waves in various physical contexts, from light
and sound to water waves.

5.0 Conclusion
Huygens' Principle provides a powerful method for predicting the behavior of wave-fronts by treating
each point on a wave-front as a source of secondary wavelets. This principle explains essential wave
phenomena such as reflection, refraction, and diffraction, making it a cornerstone of wave theory and
optics.
6.0 Assignment
 State the Huygens' Principle and its pivotal role in the development of wave theory and modern
physics.
 Discuss how the wave-front changes in different scenarios, such as encountering an obstacle
or passing through a slit.

7.0 Reference/Further Reading


Books/ Online Resources:
 Principles of Optics" by Max Born and Emil Wolf.
 Introduction to Modern Optics" by Grant R. Fowles.
 Fundamentals of Optics" by Francis A. Jenkins and Harvey E. White.
 HyperPhysics - Huygens' Principle and MIT OpenCourseWare - Wave Optics
EXERCISES
1. A progressive wave travels a distance of 31.5m in 20 seconds. If the distance
travelled is equivalent to the distance between 10 consecutive crests, calculate;
i. The wave length of the wave.
ii. The period of the wave.

2. Calculate the wavelength of a radio wave of frequency 2.5 × 10 5 Hz, given that the

velocity of electromagnetic waves in free space is 2.5 × 10 5Hz, given that thevelocity of

electromagnetic waves in free space is 3.0 × 108ms-1.


3. A radio station broadcasts on frequency of 300 kHz and the wavelength of its signal is

1000m. Calculate the speed of the radio wave in ms-1.


4. A slinky spring is made to vibrate in a transverse mode with a frequency of 4Hz. If the
distance between two successive crests of the wave train is 0.7m, calculate the speed of

the waves along the slinky spring. (2.8ms -1).

5. Calculate the frequency of the wave if its speed is 30cms −1 and the wave length is 6cm.
5Hz.
6. A source of frequency 256Hz is set into vibration. Calculate the wave length of the waves

produced, the speed of sound in air is 332ms−1 in air. (1.30m).


7. The speed of a certain wave in air is 3 × 108ms−1. The wave length of the wave is 5 ×

10−7m. Calculate the frequency of the wave. (6 × 10 14Hz).

8. A radio station produces waves of wave length 10m. If the wave speed is 3 × 10 8ms−1
calculate
i. Frequency of radio wave.
ii. Period, T

iii. Number of cycles completed in 108


9. A gun was fired and an echo from a cliff was heard 8 seconds later. If the velocity of

sound is 340ms−1, how far was the gun from the cliff?
10. A girl stands 34m away from a reflecting wall. She makes soundand hears an echo after
0.2 seconds. Find the velocity of sound.

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